If your car is making noise when turning, it can be a concerning issue. There are many potential causes for this problem, ranging from minor to major repair work. Fortunately, diagnosing and repairing the source of the noise doesn’t have to break the bank if you know what to look out for and take preventative maintenance measures.
In this blog post we’ll discuss common causes of cars making noises when turning, how to diagnose and fix them as well as provide cost considerations on repairs or maintenance needed. So don’t worry – if your car makes noise when turning, there’s likely an answer!
Common Types of Car Noises When Turning the Wheel
Before jumping straight to the causes, knowing what type of noise your car is making when you turn the wheel is an important first step in determining why it’s happening. Here are a variety of noises that you may hear when turning the steering wheel of your car:
Popping
Popping is one common noise that can be heard when making sharp turns or going over bumps in the road. This sound is usually caused by worn-out suspension components such as ball joints and tie rods.
Clunking
Clunking noises are often described as heavy sounding, like a metal object being dropped or knocked against something. It’s often caused by loose parts such as stabilizer bars or control arms.
Squealing
A squealing noise is a high-pitched, screeching sound that can indicate a problem with the power steering system.
Rattling
A rattling sound is a metallic, shaking noise that is often described as sounding like something loose, such as loose or damaged struts, sway bar, or driveshaft.
Grinding
Grinding noises often indicate metal-to-metal contact and could mean there’s an issue with the brakes or worn CV joints.
Groaning
Groaning is a low, continuous sound and is typically due to dry bushings on suspension components or steering the system.
Whining
Whining noises is similar to squealing and could be from a failing power steering pump or belt tensioner.
Squeaking
Finally, a squeaking sound is often described as a high-pitched metal noise from two objects rubbing against each other, such as squeaking brake pads that need to be replaced soon.
What Are Common Causes of Car Noises When Turning?
The most common causes of car noises when turning are worn-out or damaged suspension components (such as ball joints, tie rod ends, or wheel bearings). But if the car is standing still, it’s more likely caused by damaged or worn-out steering components (such as power steering pumps or belts).
Here is a more detailed list of common causes:
1. Worn Out or Broken Suspension Joints
One of the most common causes of car noises when turning is worn out or broken suspension joints. This happens when the rubber bushings that hold your vehicle’s suspension components together wear down over time, resulting in a loose connection between them and causing a rattling sound as you turn.
In some cases, it may even be caused by a broken part, such as an upper control arm joint or lower ball joint. You will need to replace the faulty parts with new ones to fix this issue.
2. Faulty Power Steering Pump
Another possible cause of car noise when turning is a faulty power steering pump. If your power steering system isn’t working properly, it may make noise as it struggles to provide the necessary hydraulic fluid to the system.
The noise may be more noticeable when the steering wheel is turned fully to one side or the other, as this puts more strain on the power steering system. You’ll likely need to have your power steering system inspected and repaired if this is what’s causing the noise.
3. Damaged or Worn CV Joints
Damaged or worn CV joints are another potential source of why a car makes noise when turning. The constant-velocity (CV) joints are responsible for transferring the torque from the transmission to the wheels so they can move freely at different angles without binding up.
However, if these become damaged due to wear and tear over time, they can start making grinding sounds as you turn corners, indicating that they need replacing soon before further damage occurs.
4. Power Steering System Issues
Power steering system issues can also cause car noises when turning corners due to low hydraulic fluid levels in its reservoir tank, which a fluid leak could cause.
Therefore, you must check your power steering fluid levels regularly and top them off whenever necessary and ensure everything works correctly again to avoid any unwanted noise being produced during turns.
5. Broken or Busted Tie Rods
Broken tie rods are another common cause of car noises when cornering because their job essentially connects two major components -the wheel hub assembly on one end and an idler arm/pitman arm on the other end.
So if one becomes damaged, then there won’t be enough support for those parts resulting in rattling sounds being heard while driving around curves. Fortunately, this problem can usually be fixed by simply replacing all four tie rods with new ones depending on how badly damaged they were prior.
6. Failing Sway Bar Link
Failing sway bar links are yet another reason why cars make strange noises while cornering since their purpose is keeping both sides of the vehicle level no matter how much weight shifts onto each side.
This means that if one link breaks, there won’t be enough stability anymore, leading to creaking or clunking-type sounds coming from underneath the chassis every time the driver takes a sharp turn.
Luckily, this problem should only require replacement sway bar links plus possibly some additional lubrication afterward so that it works like brand new again.
7. Faulty Ball Joints
Another possible culprit behind weird-sounding clunks and creaks during turns could very well be a faulty ball joint since its main responsibility consists of holding the entire suspension together along with providing smooth articulation points where needed.
So, anytime it gets worn out prematurely, then expect a lot more vibration than usual, especially when going around tight bends. The best way to combat this situation here would definitely involve getting a professional inspection done, followed up by the actual repair itself once the technician has identified exactly what needs to be replaced in order to get back to normal operation quickly and safely.
8. Unlubricated Bushings
Bushings are like the little shock absorbers in your car – they help to cushion and isolate moving parts, like the suspension or steering components. Without bushings, you’d feel every bump in the road, and your car would probably make all sorts of creaky noises.
And that’s exactly what happens when the bushings get unlubricated and dry. The lubrication helps to reduce friction between the moving parts and the bushings, which keeps them from wearing out too quickly and making unpleasant noises.
If this is the case, you’ll need to either lubricate the bushings or replace them with new ones if necessary.
9. Faulty Struts and Shocks
Struts and shocks are responsible for damping the movement of your car’s suspension as it travels over bumps and rough roads. Over time, they can wear out and become less effective at damping the movement of the suspension, which can cause your car to feel more bouncy or loose and make more noise.
If you start to hear strange noises when going over bumps or notice that your car’s ride isn’t as smooth as it used to be, it might be time to consider replacing your struts and shocks.
With many different potential problems, knowing how to troubleshoot the noise is key to fixing it.
How to Diagnose and Fix Car Noise When Turning
When you hear a noise coming from your car while turning, it can be difficult to determine the cause. To help diagnose and fix the problem, consider these three factors:
1. The Type of Noise
Is it a grinding noise, a squealing noise, or a clunking noise? Each type of sound can indicate different issues with your car.
A grinding sound may mean that there is an issue with worn CV joints, whereas a squealing sound could point to worn-out brake pads, and a clunking sound might suggest that there is something wrong with the steering or suspension components in your vehicle.
2. Location of the Noise
The location of the noise can help narrow down potential causes for why you are hearing this strange noise when turning.
For example, if you notice that it is only happening when you turn left but not right, then chances are high that something is wrong with one side specifically, such as an axle or wheel bearing issue on just one side.
3. The Driving Conditions When the Noise Occurs
Does it happen at any speed, or only when going slow? Also, take note if it happens more often during sharp turns versus gradual ones, as this too can give clues about what’s causing this annoying and potentially dangerous problem in your vehicle. So pay close attention here.
Fixing the Problem
In some cases, depending on what is causing this issue (such as loose nuts/bolts), it may be possible for a mechanical inclined DIY mechanic to fix this issue. But figuring out the cause and fixing it can sometimes both be difficult and frustrating.
Also, bear in mind that some repairs require specialized tools and knowledge. So before attempting anything yourself, ensure you know exactly what needs to be done and that you have the necessary tools.
And if you feel like this is way above your head, don’t hesitate to contact a professional mechanic. They’ll be able to fix any problems so you can safely get back on the road and smoothly turn without any strange noises again.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Car Noise When Turning?
As with any car problem, there is a cost that must be considered. That’s why we’ve put together a little cost estimate to give you an idea of what you might have to spend when fixing a car that makes noise when turning.
Diagnosis Cost
When it comes to diagnosing car noise when turning, the cost can vary depending on the type of vehicle and where you take it for service. Generally speaking, a basic diagnostic fee will range from $50 to $100. This fee covers the time and labor required to identify what is causing the noise in your car.
Parts Costs
Once a mechanic has identified what is causing the noise in your car, they will need to replace any worn or damaged parts that are contributing to it.
Depending on which part needs replacing, this could be as little as a few dollars for something like an axle boot or as much as several hundred dollars for more complex components such as wheel bearings or suspension parts.
Labor Costs
In addition to parts costs, there may also be labor costs associated with fixing car noises when turning. The amount of labor involved depends largely on how difficult it is for mechanics to access certain components in order to repair them.
For example, suppose you have a vehicle model with limited space under its hood. In that case, accessing certain components may require additional time and effort, which would increase overall labor costs accordingly.
Total Cost Estimate
The total cost of repairing car noises when turning can vary greatly depending on factors such as make, model, and year of vehicle and the complexity of repairs needed. Generally speaking, you should expect anywhere from $200 to $500 or more, including both diagnosis fees plus parts and labor costs combined.
Frequently Asked Question
Why Does My Car Make a Banging Noise When I Turn the Wheel?
This banging noise could be caused by a variety of issues. But the most common causes include worn out or loose suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and control arms. It’s important to identify the source of the sound in order to address it properly.
Why Does My Car Make a Weird Noise When I Turn Left?
The most common cause for this issue is a problem with the suspension or power steering system, such as worn-out bushings, ball joints, low fluid levels, or a faulty pump. It is recommended to have a mechanic diagnose the issue in order to determine the cause of the noise and fix it.
Why Does My Car Sound Like Its Scraping When I Turn?
If your car makes a scraping sound when turning, it’s possible that there’s an issue with your car’s suspension or steering system. However, it can also be a part of your car, such as a tire or a brake pad rubbing against something it shouldn’t while you’re turning. Start by locating the sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, car noises when turning can be caused by a variety of issues. The most common causes are worn-out suspension components, loose steering parts, or low power steering fluid levels.
Depending on the cause and severity of the issue, it may cost anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred dollars to fix the problem. Regardless of how much it costs to repair your car makes noise when turning issue, addressing it promptly is important for ensuring safe driving conditions and preventing further damage down the road.
